Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu has launched the second phase of the N-G CARES Result Area 3.2 programme, releasing ₦2.5bn in grants to 13,900 micro, small, and nano business owners across the state's 244 wards.
Under the scheme, nano entrepreneurs will now receive ₦100,000 each, while small business grants have been raised from ₦300,000 to ₦500,000. This follows the first phase, which supported 8,590 beneficiaries with ₦1.5bn.
Aliyu said the initiative, part of his administration's 9-Point SMART Agenda, aims to boost self-reliance, innovation, and job creation. He urged beneficiaries to invest wisely, noting that "every great business begins with small steps."
The governor also unveiled plans for a new Ministry of Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship to tackle unemployment and empower citizens, alongside ongoing training for over 1.25 million youths and women in various trades.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu, the World Bank, the Bank of Industry, and other partners for their support in sustaining economic growth in Sokoto State.
